Who wants to be famous?

This is a topic that has been on my mind for the longest time. And it has to do with 'fame' or the pursuit of it in Second Life. Ive been wondering for a while if this was something that was appropriate for my blog, but after reading a reply to something I wrote in style disorder I guess its something other people have been thinking about too.

Not everyone is out to be popular (what does that even mean in Second Life?) or get something for free. - GillianWaldman


There have been a few conversations Ive had with people over the past couple of months that have dealt with this subject. But one I had with Rosie kind of stands out about what 'fame' is in SL. She explained that popularity exists in all aspects of social groups and communities and SL is no different. The popular ones of SL tend to be the content creators, its these people whose names we remember. And I guess its true, its their clothing that we wear, its their inventions that we use and its their creations in which we explore.

I respect hardwork and talent, its ego and attitude I find that sours my view of some content creators. Personally, creating in SL has always been an outlet for my ideas and creativity. 'Fame' isnt something that fueled my desire for creating clothes, it isnt what keeps me up in the early hours of the morning making sure that seams are aligned. Its love, its inspiration, its challenging myself and its these pure ideals that I believe are what make good content creators. When I was starting out in SL it was the attitudes of the designers at the block that I admired. They were approachable and talkative, they were helpful and supportive especially to someone new. Naively for the longest time I thought this was the attitude of ALL designers in SL, I was wrong. But it dosent stop me from believing it is an outlook that should be adopted. I think it would do wonders for the mindset of the casual SL-er and their position for putting creators on pedestals.

A couple of days ago there was a short conversation I had with someone that brought this point to light. I like to think Im very approachable and do my utmost to help anyone that needs it, be it something to do with my store or where to get something. I like conversation and am ready to chat with pretty much anyone. This person explained in IM how they were envious of me and the friends that I was with. He was to shy to approach us when we were at deviant kitties, I told him that we are all very friendly and dont bite. I wanted him to understand that Im just a regular guy, that he shouldnt put so much emphasis on me being a store owner and putting me on a pedestal, that next time he should just hang out. He told me that because I was a designer it allowed me to have 'certain' friends. I couldnt believe what I was reading. Yes, Im a designer. It may be what I do, but Im sure its me the person that people want to get to know, its my personality that gets me friends. Being a designer has NOTHING to do with that. His comments made me feel really awkward, I dont ever want to alienate anyone so I expect the same kind of respect in turn. Im not saying I dont enjoy compliments, but when some people come on really strong it can make you feel quite out of place. I cant speak for all designers, I know there are those who really enjoy the fame induced ego stroking... but I like being treated like a regular guy.

I think this seeps out into other aspects of SL other then content creation. The idea of fame in SL is something that is important to too many people. If your going to start working on something creative with SecondLife as a basis, great! Im all for encouraging new content creators and pioneers of new kinds of media for SL. But take the time to consider what your doing it for. - If the reason is for people to say : "OMG its so-and-so, dont you own generic-store184?" Then your deluded into a pathetic superficial ideal.

Phew, big rant eh? Well, its been on my mind for a bit. Hope it makes some sense. ^^;

Peace out pretty kitties!

Don